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Chicago Bulls could have used Rip Hamilton's scoring punch vs. Pacers

The Bulls scored just 76 points against Indiana without Richard Hamilton on Wednesday.

By pardeeptoor
Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

The Chicago Bulls fell to the Indiana Pacers, 80-76, in their first game without starting guard Richard Hamilton on Wednesday.

The Bulls shot just 38.4 percent from the field and committed 19 turnovers in the four-point loss to the Pacers. Nate Robinson led Chicago with 19 points off the bench.

Jimmy Butler told Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago that "everybody has to play a little harder" and "share the ball even more" during Hamilton's absence.

Marco Belinelli replaced Hamilton in the starting lineup and had six points and three rebounds on 2 of 5 shooting from the field. Butler played a season-high 30 minutes off the bench and recorded four points and nine rebounds.

Hamilton is averaging 13.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists a game while shooting 45.5 percent from the field for the Bulls this season. Hamilton missed his first game of the season against the Pacers on Wednesday, as he is recovering from a sprained left foot.